------------------------------

Date:    Mon, 4 Sep 2006 09:17:43 -0400
From:    John Sproule <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Upgrading Video Card

My thinking is that if a different PCI-E card (the original) will work in
this system, but not your new video card, you probably have a defective
card.  However, I'm guessing that this 7600GT is a bigger card than the
X300; so, you might want to look carefully to make sure that this new card
is fully seating itself in the PCI-E slot.  Make sure there isn't anything
on the motherboard and the video card that are bumping into each other and
keeping the card from going all the way into the slot.

It's possible that the power supply isn't up to the task of running a more
powerful video card.  It looks like the 7600GT doesn't have an onboard power
connector; so, it will draw all its power through the PCI-E slot.  In
theory, this should work fine, but it does mean that your power supply will
have to be capable of feeding this much power to the motherboard.

Still, I'm leaning towards exchanging the video card for another and seeing
if you have better luck.

John Sproule

-----Original Message-----

Date:    Sun, 3 Sep 2006 13:50:21 -0400
From:    Mike Beshers <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Upgrading Video Card

I recently purchased a PNY Verto 7600gt video card for my Gateway 700GR c=
omputer, upgrading it from an ATI Raedon x300 se.  When I install the new=
 card my system will not boot up.  The requirements state that a 300w pow=
er supply is necessary (mine is 305).

 Should I request a RMA from n=
ewegg and try a new card, or does it sound like there's a problem with my=
 PSU or motherboard?  MOBO is an Intel D915GSE, and there is a red light =
that flashes on the board when I have the new card installed, but not whe=
n the old one is in.

------------------------------

I'm going to add to John's comments regarding the power supply. The
specifications for the PSU from the Gateway website state the PSU is a 300W
unit (how did you figure 305W?). The minimum specs for the 7600GT card you
have require 300W as a minimum (from the PNY website), so you are right at
that minimum. It's quite possible that the proprietary PSU in the PC might
not be 100%. And it is unlikely that you could swap it out for an
off-the-shelf unit. In that regard, the card might be a bit too much for the
PSU (although I have some doubt as you have indicated seeing a "red light"
on the mobo with the new card)

I would go with the RMA of the card. It's quite possible that it is
defective (the red light) and that is causing the problem. If you get a
replacement, and it does the same thing, you might need to look for a card
with a smaller PSU requirement. I seriously doubt you would be able to
upgrade to a different PSU (unless a higher wattage one is available from
Gateway that would fit in your case, which is a BTX form factor) as the
wattage/amperage/voltage requirements for the Gateway motherboard might be
vendor specific.

I have worked with Dells in the past and have fried a few mobos (thankfully
older scrapped models that were donated to me) upgrading the PSU to a name
brand type. The motherboards apparently had slightly different current
requirements that the supply leads provided (even though they were "branded"
with Intel chipsets). Ooops.

HTH

Chris Ryan

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